SPOTLIGHT ON SUCCESS

When Ball High junior Sophie Garcia was asked how she became interested in welding, she said “I have several family members who worked as welders” who inspired her. Her stepfather was so pleased when she registered for welding classes her sophomore year that he took her shopping to find just the right welding hood and gloves. Following a recent Ball High field trip to San Jacinto College, she said her interest in welding intensified. Ball High students toured an area where underwater welders are trained, and Sophie was mesmerized by the cylinders of water designed to create an underwater experience for welders. After high school graduation, she plans to consider underwater welding a possible career path.

In January 2023, she began an internship at Gulf Copper Dry Dock and Rig Repair, arranged by Galveston Career Connect, Ball High Internship Coordinator Lisa Dill. Sophie is one of three Ball High students assigned to Gulf Copper who get to observe projects such as the restoration of the Battleship Texas, currently in progress at their Pelican Island facility. Sophie begins at 7:30 AM on Friday mornings, with a safety meeting where potential hazards are discussed. Instruction on various welding layouts follows. Mr. Cirilo Salazar, Fabrication Manager at Gulf Copper, who supervises the Ball High interns, said, “Sophie is doing great and demonstrates a good work ethic.”

With one more year of training remaining at Ball High, Sophie is eager to develop more advanced welding skills. She anticipates graduating from Ball High School in 2024, and she has a promising future. Her eagerness to participate in the internship opportunity at Gulf Copper demonstrates her ability to be an strong member of the welding workforce. Employers frequently reiterate how valuable punctuality is, and as Mr. Salazar said, “Sophie understands the importance of arriving on time and giving her best throughout the day!”

What a difference a year makes! When Ball High junior Maryann Gately attended the 2022 Women In Industry Conference, she joined a break-out session titled “Increasing Apprenticeships and Jobs,” led by Carla Thompson, then Workforce Development Manager of the Western Region of Turner Industries Group. After Ms. Thompson finished her presentation, Maryann introduced herself and asked how she could qualify for a welding position at Turner Industries. On the spot, Ms. Thompson shared her email address with Maryann and invited her to visit Pasadena to tour the Turner Fabrication Facility. Maryann followed up with Ms. Thompson, and the tour was arranged exclusively for Maryann. The exchange between Ms. Thompson and Maryann illustrates the valuable networking opportunities at this annual conference, where students can meet industry professionals and establish business relationships .

In January 2023, Maryann began an internship at Gulf Copper Dry Dock and Rig Repair, arranged by Galveston Career Connect, Ball High Internship Coordinator Lisa Dill. Maryann is one of three Ball High students assigned to Gulf Copper who get to observe projects such as the restoration of the Battleship Texas.

Maryann begins at 7:30 AM on Friday mornings, with a Safety Meeting where potential hazards are discussed. Instruction on various welding layouts follow. Mr. Cirilo Salazar, Fabrication Manager at Gulf Copper, supervises the Ball High Interns. Mr. Salazar states, “ Maryann’s welding skills are equivalent to experienced welders applying to work at Gulf Copper.” She will clearly be a strong candidate for employment following graduation. Maryann’s schedule includes her internship at Gulf Copper and a part-time job at Number 13 Steak and Seafood Restaurant. “I like to work!” Maryann explained. Maryann said her father also took welding classes when he attended Ball High School, and she gravitates toward high school electives that challenge her. That challenge has captivated her and led her to consider welding a longterm career.